iPhone Duo Repair Cost: What Apple Charges Without AppleCare+

Apple's Repair Prices Without AppleCare+

These are the estimated service costs Apple lists for the iPhone Duo on its repair page, for out-of-warranty service:

Damage	Estimated cost
Cover layer damage	$49
Back glass damage	$199
Battery service	$229
Rear camera damage	$229
Outer display damage	$379
Outer display and back glass damage	$509
Inner display damage	$999
Other damage	$1,499

Some context: the Duo starts at $1,999, so the inner display repair is about half the price of the phone, and "other damage" is about three-quarters of it. The inner display costs more than two and a half times as much as the outer display to fix ($999 versus $379).

These are estimates. Apple's page says that estimated fees are for out-of-warranty service from Apple and may be subject to tax, that Apple will inspect the device to determine the final fee and that a shipping fee may be added if the device must be shipped. Apple Authorized Service Providers set their own fees and provide their own estimates. 9to5Mac reported the same figures on October 14.

With vs Without AppleCare+

Earlier, the figures Apple had shared were the fees for people with AppleCare+. Now that the out-of-warranty prices are out, you can compare them directly. According to 9to5Mac, AppleCare+ for the Duo is $19.99 a month, with these fees:

Damage	Without AppleCare+	With AppleCare+
Inner display damage	$999	$99
Battery service	$229	Free
Front / outer display damage	$379	$29
Theft or loss	Not covered	$149

AppleCare+ figures are from 9to5Mac and may not be complete. 9to5Mac lists "front display damage" at $29, which we've matched with the outer display, but confirm what it covers with Apple. Check Apple's AppleCare+ page for current pricing and terms.

Is AppleCare+ Worth It?

Here's the arithmetic, using the figures above:

• At $19.99 a month, AppleCare+ costs about $480 over 24 months ($19.99 × 24 = $479.76).
• If you crack the inner display once, you'd pay $99 instead of $999, saving $900. That's about $420 more than the plan cost over two years.
• If you never make a claim, you'd have paid about $480 for peace of mind.

Whether that's worth it depends on how careful you are and how much a surprise $999 bill would hurt. This isn't financial advice. It's just the numbers. See our iPhone Duo buying guide for the rest of the purchase decisions.

What We Don't Know Yet

• Hinge repair cost. Apple's list doesn't have a separate hinge line. "Other damage" at $1,499 may or may not cover it, so wait for Apple to clarify.
• What "cover layer damage" covers. Apple lists it at $49 but we haven't seen Apple explain exactly which part this is.
• Real-world durability. Apple hasn't published fold-test data, and independent reviews haven't started. See our hinge design guide.
• Liquid damage. Apple says the Duo's IP68 rating isn't permanent and liquid damage isn't covered by the standard warranty.

How to Reduce the Risk

• Decide on AppleCare+ before you order, since the repair prices are high. It's the one option that changes the cost of an inner display repair.
• Protect the parts you can. The outer display and the rear camera each have their own repair line: $379 for the outer display and $229 for the rear camera.
• Keep the inner screen away from sharp objects, and follow Apple's care guidance for it.
• Don't remove factory layers from the inner display unless Apple says so.

Magic John now makes two accessories for the iPhone Duo: an outer display screen protector and a camera lens protector. They help with everyday scratches and scuffs on the outer display and the rear camera lenses. They're not a guarantee against cracks or damage, and they don't replace AppleCare+. In particular, our screen protector is for the outer display, not the inner folding display, which is the expensive repair on this list. For installation tips, see our installation tutorial, and our guide to why screens crack and scratch explains what a protector can and can't do.

Shop iPhone Duo accessories

FAQ

How much does it cost to repair an iPhone Duo without AppleCare+?

Apple's estimates range from $49 for cover layer damage to $999 for the inner display and $1,499 for other damage.

How much is the iPhone Duo inner screen repair?

$999 without AppleCare+, according to Apple's repair page. With AppleCare+, 9to5Mac reports it's $99.

How much is the iPhone Duo outer screen repair?

$379 for outer display damage, or $509 if the back glass is also damaged.

What is the most expensive iPhone Duo repair?

"Other damage" is listed at $1,499.

How much is AppleCare+ for the iPhone Duo?

9to5Mac lists $19.99 a month. Check Apple for current pricing and terms.

Is there a price for hinge repair?

Not on Apple's list. Wait for Apple to confirm.

Does a screen protector protect the iPhone Duo's inner display?

Our iPhone Duo screen protector is made for the outer display only. For the inner display, follow Apple's guidance.

Will a screen protector help avoid repairs?

It can help with everyday scratches on the outer display, but it can't guarantee against cracks or hinge damage.